Question

Q17: Factor the expression. 3x *squared* −5x−12

Answer 1

Answer:

(x - 3)(3x + 4)

Step-by-step explanation:

Given

3x² - 5x - 12

Consider the factors of the product of the x² term and the constant term which sum to give the coefficient of the x- term

product = 3 × - 12 = - 36 and sum = - 5

The factors are - 9 and + 4

Use these factors to split the x- term

3x² - 9x + 4x - 12 ( factor the first/second and third/fourth terms )

3x(x - 3) + 4(x - 3) ← factor out (x - 3) from each term

= (x - 3)(3x + 4) ← in factored form

Answer 2

Answer:

(3x + 4)(x - 3)

Step-by-step explanation:

3x² - 5x - 12 = (3x + 4)(x - 3)